Do I Need a Massage or Chiropractor?
If you are wondering, “Do I need a massage or chiropractor?” it is usually due to discomfort or pain in your body. The body may be a multi-faceted machine, but it is still sensitive. When our bodies break down, it leads to pain and discomfort. When our bodies are in pain, treatment is needed to diagnose symptoms. Various options are available in Edmonton, Alberta, including chiropractic and massage therapy.
But how do you determine the right path? If you’re looking for an all-natural treatment process, consider getting a massage or chiropractic adjustment. Both options offer healing with an emphasis on the nervous system, but with different methods. Although both therapies have a similar goal of restoring your health and well-being.
Patient Needs
Pain that affects the body’s hard tissues like the spine and joints, or soft tissues like muscles and ligaments, is likely to occur at some point in a person’s life. Some injuries can cause sudden pain, including car accidents. Beyond that, repetitive habits can cause chronic pain that affects the musculoskeletal system. The result is a limited range of motion because of tissue damage. In such situations, a chiropractor and massage therapist can restore mobility to your body.
It’s common for people to struggle to choose between massage therapy and chiropractic to manage their pain. Both methods share a similar philosophy: being drug-free and comfortable. There are a few things to consider when choosing a treatment option, including the patient’s medical history, the severity of the pain, and insurance options.
Massage as Therapy
The application of massage therapy focuses on muscle symptoms. This includes muscle spasms, overworked areas, and many more. Massage therapy can be beneficial to areas of tension, pulled or strained muscles. Massage is not just a luxury treatment, there are medical benefits that can help a patient relieve pain and make an overall recovery. Also, the massage affects the nervous system by manipulating the soft tissues. This benefits the top muscle layer through the pressure of the massage, which allows energy and fluid to freely flow. Soft tissue treatment also helps correct spinal misalignments.
However, unlike a chiropractor, a massage therapist does not need a license to perform spinal or joint adjustments. However, they can suggest holistic and homeopathic remedies combined with massage therapy. Depending on the problem, many techniques are used in massage therapy including Swedish therapy, deep tissue therapy, cranial-sacral therapy, and trigger point therapy.
When a Chiropractor is Needed?
The application of chiropractic focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal . The chiropractor treats hard tissue as opposed to massage therapy, which involves the spine and joints. Chiropractors are trained to recommend rehabilitative and therapeutic exercises and can include massage therapies in the treatment plan. The most common technique employed by chiropractors is spinal manipulation or adjustment to treat problems such as back or neck pain.
Do I Need Massage or Chiropractor
There may be situations where choosing between chiropractic care and massage therapy is not the solution, but rather a balanced treatment plan that combines the two therapies for chronic pain. Chiropractic can be assisted by massage therapy as it works like a “warms up” to the chiropractic adjustment. When the muscle tension is released, adjustment lasts longer, while tight muscles can cause joint misalignment. This problem can be treated directly with massage therapy. So, chiropractic care can focus on those misalignments that offer immediate relief. Once the joints return to their correct position, the soft tissues heal faster.
The process of restoring and maintaining health can be considered essential. There is little progress to be made in a single session, be it a massage or chiropractic. Final results take time, so a specific care plan includes details of the requirements necessary to achieve optimal health. This plan must be followed under the plan offered by your healthcare provider.
If you are seeking chiropractic or massage therapy in Edmonton, our team is ready to provide you with the most effective massage and chiropractic care available. Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy is your source for experienced, safe, and accurate chiropractic and massage therapy for the relief of discomfort and pain associated with your body.